Key takeaways
- If the boxes and doors are solid, painting is usually the smarter investment.
- Proper refinishing means degreasing, sanding, bonding primer and sprayed cabinet enamel.
- Most kitchens are done in four to six working days with the sink and appliances still usable.
Start with the bones
The decision comes down to one question: are the cabinets structurally sound? If the boxes are square, the doors close properly and the material is not swollen or delaminating, painting is almost always the better value. If the layout does not work, the boxes are falling apart or you want to move plumbing, replacement is the right call.
Which cabinets can be painted
Solid wood and wood veneer cabinets are the easiest and most reliable to refinish. MDF and thermofoil can also be painted with the right primer, as can many laminates. The determining factor is prep: cleaning off years of kitchen grease, scuff sanding and applying a bonding primer that gives the enamel something to grip. Skip any of those steps and the finish will chip.
What a professional refinish looks like
At Windfeld Painting, every door and drawer front is labelled, removed and sprayed off-site in several thin coats of cabinet enamel for a smooth, factory-style finish. Boxes are finished in place with the kitchen fully protected. Hinges are adjusted, hardware is installed and the kitchen is cleaned before we leave. The enamel reaches full hardness in about a week, and we explain how to treat the cabinets during that time.
How long does painted cabinetry last?
A properly refinished kitchen will look great for many years with normal use and gentle cleaning. The failures people worry about almost always come from poor prep or the wrong product, which is exactly why we do not cut corners on either.
Related questions
What colours are popular for painted cabinets?
Warm whites, soft greens, muted blues and deep navy or charcoal islands are the most requested right now. We bring large samples so you can see them against your countertop and floor.
Can I change the hardware at the same time?
Yes. We can fill old holes and drill for new handles or pulls while the doors are off.
Will the inside of the cabinets be painted?
Only if you want them to be. Most clients paint the exteriors only, which keeps the cost down.